Add the chilies to a coffee or spice grinder and grind into a powder.
In a stone mortar and pestle, add coriander seeds, cumin seeds, and white peppercorns; grind into a powder. Remove and set aside in a bowl; add curry powder to this bowl.
Add lemongrass, galangal, ginger, turmeric and salt to the mortar and pound into a paste. When the mixture feels too wet, add the dry spices to help absorb the liquid and continue to pound into a fine paste.
Add ground chilies, shallots, and garlic; pound into a fine paste. Add shrimp paste and pound to mix.
